Montreal is a dazzling, elegant French-Canadian city in Quebec, Canada perfect for a couple’s weekend getaway. While it was never on our travel bucket list, our recent trip taught us that Montreal is a very romantic destination – even in the winter! The charm of the snow-lined cobblestone streets and mid-century architecture makes you feel like you’re in Europe, rather than Canada. Between its walkability and the blend of historical architecture and modern design, I absolutely recommend Montreal for couples. If you’re just looking for a good Galentine’s destination, I’d still recommend Montreal for its affordability! We found a great winter deal on Google Flights and because of the off-season, hotels downtown were also reasonably priced. Read on for a 36-hour itinerary for Montreal for couples!
Day One: Dining in Downtown Montreal
Afternoon
12 noon – Arrive in Montreal
Arrive in Montreal, get settled in your hotel and prepare for your evening. Now is a good time to shower, nap, and change. We want you feeling your best for the evening ahead!
1 p.m. – Taste Poutine at La Banquise
One of the first things you must do in Montreal is find yourself a basket of french fries covered in warm gravy and toppings. We shared a classic poutine from La Banquise – they’re poutine experts with more than 30 different types of poutine on their menu. You can order delivery to your hotel, but if this is your first time having poutine, I would recommend dining in for the best tasting experience.
Evening
5 p.m. – Drinks at Bar George
Bar George is situated within the confines of Le Mount Stephen. This 140 year-old grand heritage residence, which now accommodates Bar George and Le Mount Stephen, was formerly the residence of the prominent Canadian businessman Sir George Stephen.
Decor
Honoring its origins, Bar George maintains a proper but lively atmosphere. Montreal is known for having some of the most beautiful bars and restaurants, but this one took the cake for me. Upon entrance, you’re met with a grand staircase leading to extravagant stained glass windows. It feels gothic and mysterious, yet the light from the windows draws your eyes upward only to find stained glass ceilings. As you’re guided to your seats, the main dining area flirts with its guests with its charming features. Such highlights include the candlelit walls, marble fireplace, and array of bar seats, coffee tables, couches, and dining tables. And, one of the coffee tables is a pig which reminds you that, while grand, the vibe here isn’t at all pretentious, but rather quirky and playful!
Drink Menu
The cocktail menu at Bar George is fabulous. These are true, expertly crafted cocktails that will not disappoint. I ordered the Mystic Triangle (a tequila drink) and was stunned at how drinkable it was. Each of the flavors were as identifiable as they were perfectly blended into each sip. In fact, I ended up ordering a second one because I enjoyed the first one so much!
If you aren’t a fan of liquor, there is also a wine menu. While I didn’t have any wine while I was here, I did note their wine menu was all available by the glass. This is something I really appreciate.
The price tag at Bar George qualifies as a “splurge” in my book for first night drinks, but if you’re here for a romantic trip, this is a worthwhile splurge.
7 p.m. – Dinner in Shaughnessy Village
After Bar George, we’re going to walk to Shaughnessy Village. The walk will take you about 10 minutes, but if it’s really cold, there’s no shame in catching a cab or an Uber.
Shaughnessy Village is a quickly evolving neighborhood in Downtown Montreal that mixes new eateries with the old. Being that you’ve been traveling most of the day and just splurged on drinks at Bar George, we’ve opted for a quick-but-delicious, affordable, no frills eatery called Qing Hua Dumpling.
On a cold winter’s night, I don’t know of a better way to warm up than with a bowl of soup. Qing Hua Dumpling specializes in soup dumplings. Each dumpling has warm meat and herbs and a piping hot broth. If you’re looking for an appetizer, I would recommend the peanut butter pork dumplings. For your entree, you can’t miss the curry chicken dumplings – they weren’t spicy but the flavor was fabulous.
8 p.m. – Head back to the hotel
After a nice evening of drinks and dinner, it’s time to head back to the hotel and rest up for your full day in Montreal tomorrow. Goodnight!
Day Two: Exploring Old Montreal
Morning
9 a.m. – Coffee and Croissants at Crew Collective & Cafe
Wake up to the charm of the city with a little help from our caffeinated friends! Take a stroll through Montreal with your sweetie over to Crew Collective & Cafe, a true gem nestled in the heart of Old Montreal. Housed within the grand architecture of a beautifully preserved heritage bank, this coffee shop offers more than just a quick jolt of espresso—it’s a full-fledged experience that takes you on a journey through time.
Decor
As you step inside, let the soaring ceilings, ornate details, and the soft clatter of keyboards and coffee cups envelop you in an atmosphere that perfectly blends the historical with the hip. Crew Collective & Cafe is a vibrant hub where local culture and international visitors come together.
Menu
Delight in the art of people watching as you sip on a meticulously crafted latte or cappuccino. You can also tempt your taste buds further with the cafe’s selection of delectable pastries. The buttery layers of a freshly baked croissant promise to melt in your mouth, while the hearty focaccia veggie sandwich offers a savory complement to your beverage—ideal sustenance for your big day!
Summary
Despite its popularity, Crew Collective & Cafe maintains a warm and inviting ambiance, though finding a seat can sometimes be a challenge. Fear not, for the cafe is well-prepared for such a scenario. If seating runs short, simply take your scrumptious treats to-go and find your own cozy corner in the picturesque streets of Old Montreal.
10:30 a.m. – Walk to the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
Now that you’re properly caffeinated, we’re walking from Crew Collective over to the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. Older than Canada itself, the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal stands as not only one of the city’s oldest Gothic Revival style churches but is also a spectacular testament to Montreal’s rich historical tapestry and architectural grandeur. As we embark, anticipate the transition from the café’s contemporary atmosphere to the solemn grandiosity of a bygone era.
Architecture
Upon arrival at the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, you will be greeted by its majestic twin towers which look out over the Place d’Armes square. The church’s construction, which began in the 1820s, reveals the city’s desire not to just to create spaces of religious significance, but also to craft works of art.
The interior of the basilica is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Its stunning stained glass windows tell the story of the city’s religious history.
Reflection
The magnificent altar, intricate wood carvings, and the grandiose pipe organ with thousands of pipes will likely capture your imagination and hold you in a moment of reflection. As you stroll through this historical landmark, consider how it has stood the test of time, witnessing the transformation of Montreal from a small colonial town to the vibrant, multicultural metropolis it is today.
Afternoon
12 noon – Vieux-Port / La Grande Roue de Montreal
After a reflective visit to the Basilica it’s time visit Vieux-Port, home of La Grande Roue de Montreal. When it comes to Montreal for couples, you don’t get much more romantic than a Ferris wheel offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city in a private enclosed cabin.
La Grande Roue de Montreal
Purchase your tickets at the window upon arrival – reservations are not needed but can be made if you prefer. When it’s time, the automatic doors will welcome you into your gondola. These are temperature controlled so no matter if it’s winter or summer, your ride will be comfortable.
As your cabin ascends, you’ll first notice the famous panoramic views of Old and New Montreal. Look hard enough and you may spot the basilica you just visited! As you gaze upon the city, you’ll gain an appreciation for the beauty of its artistic architecture as you realize it’s just as stunning from above as it is from below.
Turn to look south over the water and you’ll see the majestic St. Lawrence River. The piece of land you see is Saint Helen’s Island, home of The Biosphere Environment Museum and La Ronde Amusement Park.
Vieux-Port
Beyond the Ferris wheel, there are a lot of things do do here at the landmark of Vieux-Port. It is a popular location for festivals, so check the local events and see if there is anything happening while you’re there. If there aren’t any events, you can still enjoy a variety of activities. When experiencing Montreal for couples, I recommend ice skating (similar to skating at Rockefeller Center in NYC), the Montreal Science Center, and the Montreal zip line.
Note: If you prefer, consider visiting Vieux-Port first at 10 a.m. to avoid bigger crowds that come as the day progresses, then the Basilica and then catching coffee at Crew Collective afterwards.
2 p.m. – Olympic Park
Once you’ve had your fill of the Old Port, you are going to take public transportation (Green Line) or a cab ride over to Olympic Park. Here, you have a variety of options of things to do. Olympic Park is the Olympic Stadium, The Montreal Botanical Gardens, The Insectarium, The Planetarium and The Biodome. We opted for the Montreal Biodome.
The Montreal Biodome
What makes this a must-see in Montreal for couples is that this is an immersive experience, and is ideal to visit during the summer or winter. Inside the biodome there are 5 different ecosystems housing animals that live in those ecosystems. Some of my favorite animals I saw included the sloth, penguins, and river otters!
As you can imagine, the Tropical Rainforest ecosystem is popular during the winter while the Sub-Polar ecosystem is popular during the summer. It really is a great way to escape the cold or the heat while learning more about the different climates of the world. I thought they did a great job making each ecosystem realistic and providing enriching environments for their animal residents. In terms of it being a good place in Montreal for couples, I thought it was a wonderfully unique experience to have with your honey!
Evening
6 p.m. – Dinner and Drinks at Holder
Tonight we’re having French cuisine! To keep things affordable, we’re going with a modern bistro-style spot called Holder. I would recommend making a reservation ahead of time, but most reviews say they’ll seat walk-ins.
The setting here is perfect for couples. The buzz on a Saturday night was lively, and the music was contemporary. In comparison to some of the other buildings we’ve visited today, it wasn’t as “shockingly beautiful” as I expected but it was still very nice! The high ceilings offer a more spacious feel and the staff is incredibly accommodating.
Now, onto the food. We started with a Fois Gras “au torchon” with a pear chutney – this was done to perfection. We then ordered the Duck Confit and the Grilled Rack of Lamb. I personally preferred the lamb to the duck, simply because the duck was a little overdone. We also heard the table next to us raving about the salmon tartare and the mussels, so those are entree options worth exploring.
We thought for a Saturday night in Montreal for couples, this was a great dinner spot. It wasn’t too expensive, but the quality of service enriched our romantic experience.
8 p.m. – Nightcap at La Buvette Chez Simone
The last stop of your trip is for a night cap at La Buvette Chez Simone – a warm and quirky wine bar. If we didn’t have an early flight, we could’ve spent hours here. We found the environment to be incredibly charming and inviting. Another great find in Montreal for couples! The staff was also helpful and was able to answer our questions about their wine list. We thought their prices were perfectly reasonable for a glass of wine, and found it to be the perfect wind-down spot before heading back to our hotel to pack.
Have a fantastic trip to Montreal!
